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Hump Day Hottie: Johan Hedberg

It’s time to show some love for the backup – the #2 guy, the benchwarmer, the alternate plan, the man who sits at second on the depth chart. While the starters are out there getting all the love and the limelight, the backup rides the pine waiting for his time to shine. But Mr. Alternate deserves love, too.

Take for example the case of one Johan Hedberg – backup goaltender for the Atlanta Thrashers. The sexy Swede (I have always wanted to write that in a post) may play second fiddle to Kari Lehtonen on the ice, but he definitely wins in the looks competition. Johan was named one of the 50 Sexiest People in Atlanta – and where was Mr. Lehtonen on that list? Nowhere, that’s where.

Plus, his nickname is “Moose” (thanks to Pittsburgh- whose fans gently mocked him for wearing his old Manitoba Moose helmet when he got called to the Penguins at the last minute), which is awesome. And he is super sweet to the kid fans, too:

[A fan] asked Hedberg if he had a moment to take a photo with her daughter at a Thrashers practice. She got more than a picture. “He picked her up and talked to her and snuggled her,” said the fan, sporting a No. 1 Hedberg Thrashers jersey before a recent Thrashers home game. “That’s a big deal for a mom.”

That picture now has a permanent home in her purse and Hedberg cemented another lifelong supporter in a fan club that grows with each person he meets.

So you can have first crack at tending the goal, Kari – and Johan will just have to be satisfied with being sweet and handsome. And don’t look now- but Johan’s getting more playing time lately, so maybe he’ll take over #1 on the ice soon, too.

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About Texas Gal

Pitched four years for the Philadelphia Athletics, and then played shortstop for seven years for the Montreal Expos. Taught Rickey Henderson to steal a base. Taught Nolan Ryan to throw a punch. Taught Mickey Mantle to drink a beer. Threw one seven-hitter and seven no-hitters. Wonderboy was my creation, and first Jobu shrine was in my locker. Often called "the next Dustin Pedroia". Always wear high socks and eyeblack. Prefer to slide headfirst.

17 thoughts on “Hump Day Hottie: Johan Hedberg”

Thank you thank you thank you. I’m a huge hockey fan, a bigger Thrashers’ fan and the biggest Moose fan – he is simply delicious. That picture of him drenching himself in water… drool…. He does that all the time – it’s very nice.

And he really is the sweetest guy. Mark Recchi had his young son on the ice this past week at a practice and Moose let him ‘score’ on him and made a big deal out of it, too! My friend and I are convinced that he is the perfect man in every way.

“[A fan] asked Hedberg if he had a moment to take a photo with her daughter at a Thrashers practice. She got more than a picture. “He picked her up and talked to her and snuggled her,” said the fan, sporting a No. 1 Hedberg Thrashers jersey before a recent Thrashers home game. “That’s a big deal for a mom.””

I might have to go to a practice and see if he’ll snuggle with a woman in her 30’s.

OMG, hockey players!!!! I love hockey so much and living Alabama it’s hard to watch my favorite teams but I’m really starting to like the Thrashers. He’s so cuttttteeeee. Lehtonen definitely not the cute….lol.

Johan is one of the nicest guys. I was lucky enough to get my picture taken with him. When I took it to get him to sign it he remembered the picture being taken. He is very outgoing and has a smile that can melt you. However, he isn’t the only hottie on our team.